A video game like Madden doesn't revisit the choice in the second half it just goes the opposite of what was used in the first half at least it did in the past with differing an option I don't know if they added that into the game too.

You are probably thinking college if you think that was how it was in the past.

If that is true, I am curious what % of teams chose to get the ball in the first half or to defer this year? Anyone know that?

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In college the overwhelming majority choose to defer, but NFL coaches are creatures of habit. Early in the season, at least, they were choosing to receive about half the time (15 out 32 games in the first 2 weeks of the season).

I believe it's because you have a chance to get more possessions during the game.

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No... the chances are still equal. Whoever gets the kick-off to begin a half will either have equal possessions or 1 more for that half. So both teams will get this opportunity of a 1-possesion advantage in a half, presuming the teams trade kick-offs in the two halves.

I think the reason teams like deferring to the second half is to avoid the chance of giving the other team suceeding possessions (to end the first half and start the second). This could be a huge momentum swing if that team scores in each of those drives. Deferring the kick-off to the second half eliminates this possibility for the team that wins the coin flip.

No... the chances are still equal. Whoever gets the kick-off to begin a half will either have equal possessions or 1 more for that half. So both teams will get this opportunity of a 1-possesion advantage in a half, presuming the teams trade kick-offs in the two halves.

I think the reason teams like deferring to the second half is to avoid the chance of giving the other team suceeding possessions (to end the first half and start the second). This could be a huge momentum swing if that team scores in each of those drives. Deferring the kick-off to the second half eliminates this possibility for the team that wins the coin flip.

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i like when the pats defer and receive in the second half because that's when most games are won or lost.

No... the chances are still equal. Whoever gets the kick-off to begin a half will either have equal possessions or 1 more for that half. So both teams will get this opportunity of a 1-possesion advantage in a half, presuming the teams trade kick-offs in the two halves.

I think the reason teams like deferring to the second half is to avoid the chance of giving the other team suceeding possessions (to end the first half and start the second). This could be a huge momentum swing if that team scores in each of those drives. Deferring the kick-off to the second half eliminates this possibility for the team that wins the coin flip.

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No, its because if you pick the wind first, then the other team chooses the ball. They get to pick in the second half, and they chose the ball again.

At this point, you can defer. When you defer, they have to chose to receive, or otherwise, you're going to be receiving in both halves. So you defer, they pick receive, you pick the wind. Second half, you receive, they chose the wind.

Previously, there was no way to chose the wind (if you won the toss) in the first half without kicking off to start both halves. Now, there is.